Top 10 Places to See Before They Disappear

Earth is full of so many beautiful places, areas and landmarks. While some have lasted for centuries, others haven’t been so lucky. And then there are those that are still here, but won’t be lasting for long – usually due to things like pollution, global warming and other factors. For this list, we’re limiting it to one place per country and only those places that are natural, meaning we’re excluding man-made landmarks. Join WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Places to See Before They Disappear.
Special thanks to our users Caneathia Watkins and Muppet_Face for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at WatchMojo.com/suggest.

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They may be beautiful but they might not last forever. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Places to See Before They Disappear.

For this list, we’re limiting it to one place per country and only those places that are natural, meaning we’re excluding man-made landmarks.

#10: The Poles

Whether we’re talking Antarctica and the South Pole’s cold, dry desert, or the shifting sea ice surrounding the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean, there’s no denying they’re unique. Unfortunately, global warming is rapidly causing the Arctic ice to shrink, which endangers the polar bear population. The rise in temperature is causing the ice to retreat, affecting Antarctica’s emperor penguins.

#9: The Alps

This European mountain range is over hundreds of millions of years old and was once home to many glaciers. While The Alps have been a popular ski destination for years, things are quickly changing as a result of climate change. Effects included decreased snowfall and receding glaciers, which may be all gone by 2050 or earlier.

#8: Galapagos Islands

This archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean is most known for its great number of diverse species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the early 19thcentury. However, the introduction of new flora and fauna has threatened many of the native animals and plants. Fishing, tourism and a growing population are also heavily endangering the Galapagos Islands’ biodiversity.

#7: Maldives

Made up of almost 1200 islands, The Maldives isn’t only highly geographically dispersed but also form Earth’s lowest country. Though the region attracts millions of tourists for its marine life, incomparable beaches and views, The Maldives are also high on scientists’ most threatened list when it comes to global warming. Rising Sea levels have caused many people to believe the country will soon be entirely underwater, leaving thousands homeless.

#6: Glacier National Park, Montana

Though Florida’s Everglades are also quickly deteriorating, we’ve chosen Montana’s Glacier National Park. With its lakes, forests, mountain peaks and flora and fauna, the Park is one of the Rocky Mountains’ most stunning regions. It was also once completely covered in up to 150 glaciers, but rapid temperature changes have caused those numbers to dwindle to about 25. Scientists estimate they’ll all be gone by 2030, which will harm much of the wildlife in the process.

#5: Congo Basin

Located in Africa, the Congo Basin comprises over 1.4 million square miles of untouched tropical rainforest. Also home to many wetlands and much flora and fauna, the basin is quickly becoming an endangered area thanks to mining, logging, farming, poaching and guerilla warfare. With a reduction of forestland, there’s also more carbon dioxide in the air, which in turn adds to climate change.

#4: Madagascar

It’s the world’s fourth largest island, but this country off the coast of Africa doesn’t necessarily have a stable future in store. Because of the excessive hunting of its exotic animals and cutting down of its forests, we could soon lose much of the flora and fauna that are exclusive to the island. Thanks to its incredible biodiversity, Madagascar has earned nicknames like Noah’s Ark. But if things don’t change soon, the island will lose a lot – and so will the world.

#3: Venice, Italy

While this historical city's bridges and canals are man-made, it's Mother Nature that provides the backdrop and scenery that attracts millions of tourists to this collection of 118 different islands. Sadly, with the increase in rising sea levels, Venice has become more and more susceptible to floods, experiencing dozens and dozens every year. This means the beautiful and charming city is actually sinking – and it’s anyone’s guess when it’ll really become a water world.

#2: The Dead Sea

Also called the Salt Sea because of its high salt content, this body of water is actually the lowest point of elevation on Earth. Bordering the extremely hot and dry countries of Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea naturally loses water through evaporation. But the use of its resources by surrounding populations and big business has caused water levels to decrease at an alarming rate. If trends continue, the Dead Sea might not exist in half a century or so.

Honorable Mentions

#1: Great Barrier Reef

Comprising almost 300 separate reefs and 900 islands, it’s the world’s largest coral reef system. Located off Australia’s coast, the Great Barrier Reef is another victim of climate change and pollution. In addition to coral bleaching, fishing and tourism are contributing to the massive coral decrease. This natural wonder may very well be no more by 2030.

Do you agree with our list? What is the one place you’d like to visit before it disappears? With new top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.